Centenarian Statesman Pa Fasoranti Honoured as Nation Celebrates 100 Years of Service

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has led national tributes to elder statesman and foremost leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, as he attains the milestone age of 100 on Monday, May 11, 2026.

In a personally signed statement released on Sunday, the President described the centenarian as a symbol of integrity, honesty, dedicated service to the nation and true leadership. President Tinubu said his “joy knows no bounds” witnessing the elder statesman reach the historic milestone.

“My joy knows no bounds as we witness Pa Reuben Fasoranti, our father, elder statesman, administrator, pro-democracy activist, prominent politician, and foremost Afenifere leader, attain the milestone age of 100 on May 11,” the President said.

He added, “Baba Fasoranti deserves all the encomiums that will come his way on this occasion for his uncommon life of service and immense contributions to this country. Pa Fasoranti has distinguished himself in all respects: in his disciplined, Spartan way of life, his belief in principles, and his commitment to noble causes. His life is a metaphor for integrity, honesty, dedicated service to the nation and true leadership.”

The President traced Fasoranti’s educational journey, noting that he obtained a degree in English and Geography from the University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan. He further earned a postgraduate diploma in Education from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom and a Master’s degree in Education Administration and School Management from Maguire University in Sydney, Australia.

President Tinubu also highlighted Fasoranti’s contributions to the education sector through his teaching career and the establishment of schools in Ondo State, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School in Akure, Akure High School, and St. Frances’ Academy, Igoba, Akure, which he founded in memory of his late wife.

The President noted that Fasoranti made even greater impact through politics and activism, describing him as one of the last surviving disciples of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He recalled that Fasoranti was a member of the defunct Action Group in the First Republic and later the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic. Between 1979 and 1983, he served meritoriously as Commissioner for Finance in old Ondo State under the administration of the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin.

“It is on record that his integrity and financial prudence helped manage the state’s finances,” President Tinubu stated.

The President further praised Fasoranti’s role during the military era, saying he became one of the rallying voices against military dictatorship, demanding the return of democracy to the land. He noted that Fasoranti became one of the leading lights in Afenifere, agitating for Yoruba unity, solidarity and development. Following internal divisions after the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya, Fasoranti emerged as the authentic and widely recognised leader of the group.

“To this date, Baba remains the only recognised leader of Afenifere,” President Tinubu said.

President Tinubu also reflected on the personal tragedies Fasoranti endured, including an assassination attempt during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha, from which he emerged stronger and more resilient against military tyranny. He also noted the death of Fasoranti’s wife in 1991 and the killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, by kidnappers in July 2019.

“However, age, the death in 1991 of his wife, with whom he shared a deep love, and the killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, by kidnappers in July 2019 have all slowed down Baba. Pa Fasoranti weathered the storms, and he is soldiering on,” the President said.

The President expressed profound gratitude to the elder statesman for his support and prayers throughout his political journey, especially during the 2023 presidential campaign.

“At the start of my campaign for the presidency, I visited Pa Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State capital. Baba prayed for my electoral victory, saying he would live to witness my ascension to the presidency. God answered his prayer through my victory and eventual ascendancy to the top office,” President Tinubu recalled.

He added, “I thank Baba for his prayers, his belief in my vision, and his continued support for our Renewed Hope Administration. Above all, I thank Pa Fasoranti for his service to Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, former interim national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande, in a reflective tribute, warned that growing political and ideological divisions among Yoruba leaders pose a serious threat to the cohesion and strategic future of the Yoruba nation. Akande described Fasoranti as a symbol of discipline, moral clarity and steadfast commitment to Yoruba ideals, adding that the centenary celebration should serve not only as a moment of honour but also as an opportunity for sober reflection on the state of Yoruba unity and leadership.

As Nigeria celebrates the elder statesman’s centenary, President Tinubu prayed that God Almighty would keep Pa Fasoranti for many more years in recognition of his enduring service, wisdom and invaluable contributions to the nation’s democratic development and national unity. The President described Fasoranti’s life as “a metaphor for integrity, honesty, dedicated service to the nation and true leadership.”